It may have been done with the most progressive of intentions, but BBC Radio 1's decision to censor a lyric from Kirsty MacColl and Shane McGowan's Christmas standard Fairytale of New York looks rather to have backfired this morning.

A decision by Radio 1 chiefs has meant that Fairytale, a ballad apparently conducted between two rowing drunks, has been edited so as to obscure the lines "You cheap lousy faggot" and "an old slut on junk", a decision that was criticised this morning by MacColl's own mother.

Speaking on Radio 5 Live, Jean MacColl - whose daughter died in an accident off the coast of Mexico in 2000 - called the decision "too ridiculous".

"These are a couple of characters", she said. "Today we have a lot of a gratuitous vulgarity and ... whatever from people all over which I think is quite unnecessary. These are characters and they speak like that."

"Radio 1 are playing an edited version of the Fairytale of New York that does not include the world 'faggot' as this is a word that members of our audience would find offensive," the BBC said in a statement. Radio 1 executives met this morning to discuss the decision, but agreed to continue playing the edited version. The ban does not apply across the BBC however; sister station Radio 2 will continue to play the original version.

The song, first released in 1987, has now become a Christmas standard and a spokesman for McGowan's band the Pogues seemed bemused by the decision. "This song now goes with Christmas like the Queen's speech and mince pies, and all of a sudden it's offensive," she said. "It strikes me as very odd and I'm sure the band will be very amused."

Since this story was published earlier today, Radio 1 controller Andy Parfitt has reversed the decision to censor the song Fairytale in New York. In a statement released tonight, Parfitt said: "After careful consideration, I have decided that the decision to edit the Pogues song was wrong." So there you have it, "faggot" is back in.

Sadly, "Fairytale of New York" is not available at the iTunes Music Store, so I am forced to direct you to the evil YouTube (youtube.com).

"All because he got over seven years ago forcing rimjobs on people against their will?" (Hogan's My Dad)

Originally posted by CRZ

Originally posted by the BeebIn a statement released tonight, Parfitt said: "After careful consideration, I have decided that the decision to edit the Pogues song was wrong." So there you have it, "faggot" is back in.

Apparently Sony heard no "obvious singles" from Fiona Apple's new album Extraordinary Machine, and so they have shelved it. But this month, high quality versions of the tracks have been leaked onto the internet.